ABC News has spotlighted a surge in domestic-violence cases involving women on temporary visas, with the Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service reporting more than 400 clients since 2021. The 19 October feature tells the story of ‘Grace’, a Papua New Guinean seasonal worker who sought asylum after fleeing violent abuse. Current family-violence provisions cover partner-visa holders but exclude many students and labour-mobility participants, leaving asylum as the only pathway to safety. Advocacy coalitions representing 30 organisations are calling for a standalone family-violence visa, expanded access to Centrelink and Medicare, and guaranteed refuge places irrespective of visa status. For employers, the report is a reminder that workers on temporary visas may be vulnerable to coercive control tied to their migration status. Legal experts say companies should review whistle-blower channels and ensure that employee-assistance programs include immigration-aware counselling. The Department of Home Affairs says it is ‘considering options’ as part of the migration strategy review, but no timeline has been set.
Source: ABC News
